4 new letters, 4 new sounds.
Phonics: how do I help my child with j, v, w and x? Most Reception classes meet these letters this half-term. j, v and w are one short sound each, and x is two sounds said together, "ks", as in fox.
The method in words
j as in jam
v as in van
w as in wet
x as in fox ("ks")
3 tips from how school teaches it:
- Keep each sound pure: no "uh" on the end
- x usually comes at the end of short words
- Say each sound, then slide your finger along to blend: j-a-m, jam
Phonics schemes vary by school. Ask your child's teacher which one they use, and look at its parent page for the exact sounds.
Sources: Letters and Sounds: an example progression (2021), Phase 2 graphemes; Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, Reception programme overview.
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